Differential Diagnosis for 30F with Febrile Abdominal Pain
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Appendicitis: This is a common cause of acute abdominal pain, especially in young adults, and is often accompanied by fever. The pain typically starts near the navel and then moves to the lower right abdomen.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gastroenteritis: Inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually due to infection, can cause fever and abdominal pain. It's a common condition that can be viral or bacterial in origin.
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): While more common in women, UTIs can cause significant abdominal pain and fever. The pain is often localized to the lower abdomen and may be accompanied by dysuria.
- Ovarian Cyst or Torsion: Ovarian cysts can rupture or torsion can occur, leading to severe abdominal pain and fever. This condition is more common in women of reproductive age.
- Diverticulitis: Inflammation of the diverticula in the digestive tract, more common in older adults but can occur in younger individuals, especially if they have a history of diverticulosis.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Ectopic Pregnancy: Although less likely, an ectopic pregnancy is a life-threatening condition that must be considered in any female of childbearing age presenting with abdominal pain and fever, especially if there's a possibility of pregnancy.
- Pneumonia: Lower lobe pneumonia can refer pain to the abdomen, and while less common, it's a critical diagnosis not to miss due to its potential severity.
- Intestinal Obstruction: This is a serious condition where the intestine is partially or completely blocked, which can lead to severe abdominal pain, fever, and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly treated.
Rare Diagnoses
- Endometriosis: While not typically associated with fever, endometriosis can cause severe abdominal pain, especially during menstruation. It's less likely to be the primary diagnosis in the context of fever but should be considered in the differential for chronic or recurrent pain.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Conditions like Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis can cause chronic abdominal pain and fever but are less common causes of acute presentations.
- Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be acute or chronic, and is often associated with gallstones or alcohol use. It's a less common cause of abdominal pain and fever in young women without a history of gallstones or alcohol use.